E53 side mirror issues

[Patriks7]

Hi guys,

Posting about the dreaded side mirror issues on my X5. I tried searching, but couldn’t find much on my specific issue.

I have had issues with the mirrors being loose and not opening/closing properly already some years ago, but somehow got them to work. Since then, I have barely ever used the open/close function and have not had any issues with the mirrors.

Until recently, when somehow both mirrors seem to not hold in the fully open position. When I try to use the open/close function, sometimes the mirrors just close and stay there, sometimes they open but not fully. If I help them and push them open after pressing the button, they can open fully and seem to hold for a bit, but then become loose again and sometimes even close when I accelerate a bit quickly.

What should I look for here? Would this indicate the motors being faulty?

[80stech]

It could be that the ring gear is stripped and likely more than just that. It's probably best to take it apart and have a look and maybe see if you can find a you-tube video. It's a pretty crappy set up so you even want to look at getting replacements.

[Patriks7]

Originally Posted by 80stech

It could be that the ring gear is stripped and likely more than just that. It's probably best to take it apart and have a look and maybe see if you can find a you-tube video. It's a pretty crappy set up so you even want to look at getting replacements.

Thanks, I’ll give that a try. I have already taken them apart previously, so I know what to expect, just not sure what will need replacing. Honestly, at this point I wouldn’t mind converting them into mirrors that don’t move at all, I barely use the function to close and open them.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Patriks7

Thanks, I’ll give that a try. I have already taken them apart previously, so I know what to expect, just not sure what will need replacing. Honestly, at this point I wouldn’t mind converting them into mirrors that don’t move at all, I barely use the function to close and open them.

RockAuto was selling the non-folding mirrors really inexpensively late last year.

[X5chemist]

Who did the E70 mirror mod? I've been trying to find the post. Same here, mine fold and unfold. The right side seems weak. I think it will soon fold on its own due to driving wind. It's a little loose too.

[X5chemist]

RockAuto still has manual mirrors on clearance.